As the dust settles after the MLB trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves have some tough decisions to make. Their roster is about to change for the better.
Atlanta made some small, yet notable changes at the trade deadline, such as acquiring Nicky Lopez, Pierce Johnson and Brad Hand. None will single-handedly shift the Braves expectations, but this is a team that were already World Series favorites as constructed. Why mess with a good thing?
Alex Anthopoulos opted against that strategy. Clubhouse camaraderie is important this time of year. The dog days of summer are upon us, and Atlanta has a sound NL East advantage. They are destined for the postseason, but don't want to lose momentum.
Pitching is the Braves biggest concern moving forward, but they're about to receive a major boost.
Braves who won't be on the roster: Yonny Chirinos
Chirinos has stepped up big time, as the Braves have struggled to find a real No. 5 starter in the absence of Kyle Wright and Max Fried. However, with the latter expected to make his first start off the injured list in the coming week, plus Wright likely back by late August or early September, Atlanta must start preparing their roster for the inevitable.
Kolby Allard is on the injured list himself or else he'd likely be the victim of this looming roster move, but Atlanta's starting rotation once Fried and Wright come back is pretty much set. Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder and Charlie Morton have pitched well in their steed, while Brian Snitker has done an excellent job mixing and matching the rest of their rotation.
Chirinos is set to take the mound against the Angels on Wednesday in what may be his final start with the Braves this go-around. In his previous outing, he lasted just shy of four innings and gave up eight hits and fours runs. He could very well be pitching for his job.
Braves who won't be on the roster: Daysbel Hernández
Daysbel Hernandez was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation. Depending on the severity of his injury, he could miss significant time. However, there's no question he won't be on the roster, whether injured or not.
Atlanta brought in an influx of relief pitchers for a reason, and Hernandez should be the odd man out. He sports an ERA over seven in four appearances. Brad Hand has yet to be placed on the roster officially. If Hernandez were healthy, he would likely be sent down. Add in the likes of AJ Smith-Shawver and other young pitchers, and Hernandez won't receive the call over them.
Hernandez was a 2017 International Free Agent out of Cuba, signing for $190,000. He had a 2.05 ERA in the minor leagues, which is why Atlanta called him up in the first place.
Alex Anthopoulos addressed his team's looming bullpen deficiencies on Tuesday, acquiring Brad Hand. He also traded for Ben Heller and Pierce Johnson in the past few weeks, along with Taylor Hearn, who he flipped for infielder Nicky Lopez.
Braves who won't be on the roster: Forrest Wall
As incredible as his name may be, Forrest Wall has yet to receive a major-league start or even an at-bat. Wall has entered the game as a pinch runner and stolen two bases, showing his potential value on an expanded postseason roster should the Braves need such things.
Wall, 27 years old, finally received his first big-league call up this season. He recounted his story to The Athletic, and it's a tear-jerker.
"I was in my apartment," said Wall, 27, who has lived in the Atlanta suburbs while playing for Triple-A Gwinnett this year. "It was late evening — my (Gwinnett) manager called me. My brother was there with me, which was really cool. He had no idea until I literally fell to my knees, in tears. He came over to me and gave me the biggest hug. I'll never forget it."
While I may hope I'm wrong on this one, the Braves will need room on the roster when the likes of Sam Hilliard come off the injured list. Unless they trust Wall more to take some actual MLB at-bats, he could be the odd man out.
Wall and Hilliard played together for several years in the minor leagues. At the time of his promotion, Hilliard spoke of how proud he was of their time together.
"We played together two or three years (in the minors)," said Hilliard. "Even when (we) weren't on the same team, we were hanging out at spring training. You've got your spring trainings, your instructional leagues, all that stuff. We were really close with the same friend group there. So, we go way back."
Now, they may very well be competing for the same roster spot. Life comes at you fast as a big leaguer.
